Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-08-11


great demand. One Of them was occu-
pied by Tad Thorne, who, though he had
no business there. was enjoying the
warmth rs only small, fourteen-ycar-
old bog can do, after being all day in
the city streets crying parlor matches
ut three cents per box-''two for five. "
Tad's enjoyment was tempered
by a little mental worry. as a
matter Of course. Nobody is entirely
happy in this world, and as he warmed
himself Tad was obliged to keep a
watchful eye on the door Of the porter's
room opposite. II was the duty Of
that cOlOr65 functionary to assist
tramps and vagrant boys from the
waiting-room, with scant ceremony.
''Last night he said he'd bounce me if
he caught me here again." mused Tad,
advancing first one patched shoe and
then the other toward the stove, "but
l shouldn't think the corporation would
grudge what little fire it takes to warm
me-"
For time Tad remained in undis-
turbed comfort. So many persons
were constantly coming and going that
no one took particular notice Of the
thinly-drrssed, pale-faced lad who occa-
sionally stretched his fingers caressing-
ly toward the glowing Goals.
''It's the first time I've been warm
clear through since last August
wish't could hold heat like hot brick
does" Tad soliloquized, as with an
involuntary shiver he thought of having
TO start out in the chilly air again.
''ls there no other place where you
can 60 and warm yourself, besides q
waiting-room only intended for the-er
patrons Of the railroadP" asked a tall,
aristocratic- looking gentleman. with
iron-gray hair, and very dignifed
manner, who occupied the next seat to
the one In which Tad was sitting. He
spoke severely and frowned at Tad, as
though the boys presence annoyed
him.
II his address had been more kindly,
Tad's reply would have been more
respectful. As II was. Tad scowled a
little.
"There's places enough, / s'pose-
only they don't happen TO low boys
who hasn't any business there, round
specially II they amt dressed any bet
tern / am" he answered, sullenly,
glancing involuntarily down at himself
ms he spoke. The tall man muttered
something about "confoundcd nuis-
ance." but made no further reply. And
ms he rose, giving a nervous glance at
the clock, Tad noticed that hc wore a
long gray ulster, over a very nice suit
Of clothes. while at one side Of the seat
he had vacated lay his travelling rug in
shawl-strap, and small alligator.
skin sachel with niekel-plate mount
ngs.
Tad was wondering within himself
whether he ever knew what Il was Ia
be homeless, cold and hungry when he
was boy, when his meditations were
disturbed by the violent ringing Of a
hand-bell, accompanied by the hoarse
voice Of one Of the railroad officials
calling out something, Of which the
words "exprcss" and passengers
were alone intelligible to Tad's ear.
This was followed by the usual frantic
rush toward the great swing doors
leading into the depot The tall gem
tleman sprang neryously 10 his feet,
and, snatching up his travelling rug,
shot through the doorway as though he
had but five seconds in which TO board
n train that did not start for ten min
utes. schedule time. eli, therer'
cried Tad after him, you've left your
little sachelg' bat the gentleman was
beyond call. So. seizing the handbag
from the next seat, Tad eIbowed his
way through the throng, into the depot,
IN hot pursuit Of him Of the flowing
ulster
Just inside the swing doors stood a
policeman Of imposing presence. He
was a large fat man but extremely
jealous. and his professional instincts
were at once reused at the sight Of a
shabbily-dressed boy dodglng in and
out Of the crowd, with 4 nlckel-plated
alngalor-skln sachel IN hls hand. Step.
plne hastily forward hs laid q heavy
hnoa ea 1Aal shoulder